Farmers bodies and opposition to hold nationwide bandh over Farm bills on Sept 25

@RishikeshChava9

Mumbai: Opposition parties and farmers’ groups across the country, including the Congress and the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), have announced Bharat Bandh on September 25 in protest of the controversial farm bills cleared by the Rajya Sabha on Sunday, notwithstanding chaos inside parliament and agitations outside. 

The three bills, which have already cleared the Lok Sabha await the signatures of President Ram Nath Kovind to become law.

Three controversial agriculture Bills on agriculture reforms have passed. The three controversial Bills on agriculture reforms are set to become law after they were passed by the Rajya Sabha on September 20. 

The three Bills are The Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020 The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020 and The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, 2020.

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Farmers and farmer associations across the country have been protesting against the ordinances. Terming the two agriculture marketing reform Bills as “anti-farmer” legislation, Shiromani Akali Dal MP and Food Processing Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal resigned from the Union Cabinet.

Since agriculture and markets are State subjects the Bills are being seen as an encroachment on the functions of the States, and against the spirit of cooperative federalism. 

Vijay Jaywandhia an expert farm activist questioned “Regarding three of these agricultural bills Modiji is yet again branding them as if they are prosperous for farmers. If such is the situation back in 2014 why did he give assurance of 50% off on market fees?”

He also questioned “Why are large numbers of protests being held in Punjab and Haryana? What was the reason behind their senior ally of NDA Prakash Singh Badal’s resignation?”

He further said “Farmers are realizing the importance of MSP due to worldwide recession.” He also accused “These decisions are being taken due to the pressure of WHO, America and Europe. Countries like Brazil, Australia have opposed our exports”.